What is the name of the Dutch national museum, located in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam's famed Museum Square is home to the national museum of the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum. The name literally translates to "State Museum," signifying its role as the country's foremost institution for art and history. Its extensive collection tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, featuring a vast array of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that define Dutch culture.

Though founded in The Hague in 1800, the museum was moved to Amsterdam in 1808. The current, magnificent building, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, was designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885. After undergoing a monumental ten-year renovation in the 21st century, the museum reopened in 2013 with a brighter, more open layout that seamlessly blends its historic architecture with modern design.

The Rijksmuseum is most famous for its unrivaled collection of works by the Dutch Masters. The undisputed star of the show is Rembrandt's massive and dramatic masterpiece, "The Night Watch." Other iconic paintings on display include Johannes Vermeer's serene "The Milkmaid" and works by Frans Hals and Jan Steen. With over 8,000 objects on display from a total collection of one million, it offers a comprehensive and unforgettable journey through Dutch heritage.